Graphic of a hand holding a heart with a trainer inside

Stay active


Moving improves our health, happiness and wellbeing. Across Greater Manchester there are many free or affordable ways to build physical activity into our daily life.

Free and affordable activities

Sport England provides tips on how to keep or get active while or Couch To Fitness offers a free and flexible at-home exercise plan, including pre and post-natal, Afrobics and Bhangra, and family fit series.

For guidance for older adults and those with long-term health conditions visit: https://www.gmmoving.co.uk/ways-to-keep-moving 

Walking

To get started on your walking journey, the GM Walking website has everything you need. Find out more: https://gmwalking.co.uk/  

Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) also provide ways for you to explore your neighbourhood by walking: https://beeactive.tfgm.com/walking/

Running

Parkruns are free, weekly community events organised across various parks. Find one near you: Click here to visit the Park Run page

Cycling

TfGM offers help and advice on cycling https://beeactive.tfgm.com/cycling/ There’s also free cycle training available across Greater Manchester: Find out more and book your course here

Swimming

If you’re aged 16 or under you can enjoy free swimming during school holidays and in general swim sessions, at council run leisure centres. If you’re aged 60 and above, then you can enjoy free swimming all year round at dedicated times. View your council page or local swimming centre for more information. 

Finding activities in your area

You can also view physical activity, exercise and sport events through your local council page: 

Bolton: Sport in Bolton – Bolton Council

Bury: Sport, leisure and events - Bury Council

Manchester: Sports, activities and fitness | Manchester City Council

Oldham: Sports and Leisure | Oldham Council

Rochdale: Sports and leisure – Rochdale Borough Council

Salford: Sport and leisure • Salford City Council

Stockport: Sports and fitness - Stockport Council

Tameside: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Libraries and Leisure

Trafford: Sport and leisure (trafford.gov.uk)

Wigan: Sport, keeping fit and healthy living (wigan.gov.uk)